Both med tech (medical technology) and health tech (healthcare technology) have come a long way, even in just the past decade. With state-of-the-art, next-generation technologies and applications such as vitamins, hormone supplements, and metabolic tests, Regenerative Medicine is on the fast track in today’s medical industry.
What is Regenerative Medicine?
Regenerative Medicine is the practice and study of developing and implementing regenerative treatments to assist in organ regrowth, repair, and even tissue healing. Regenerative Medicine is useful in restoring the natural function of tissues and organs that have been lost due to disease, physical damage, or even advancing age.
What Can Regenerative Medicine Help With?
The study of Regenerative Medicine is exploding, and research & technology expand year upon year. Currently, scientists and medical professionals aim to target everything from heart disease and strokes to metabolic disorders such as Diabetes and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
By using top technologies to pinpoint and identify potential dysfunctional genes and other problematic molecules, researchers predict that Regenerative Medicine may be the key to optimal health and longevity in the near future.
“Understanding Metabolic Medicine and its regenerative qualities is the key to unlocking our best health,” said Dr. Lindsay Clark, MD. “The best path to discovering how to repair the body is understanding its potential for healing itself.”
Regenerative Medicine is becoming increasingly prominent in the following areas:
- Metabolic disorders such as Type 1 Diabetes
- Spinal cord injuries
- Vision loss
- Hearing loss
- Heart disease
- Muscular dystrophy
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Strokes
- Parkinson’s disease
- Osteoarthritis
The FDA has approved a number of therapies for the treatment of cartilage damage, foot and leg ulcers, periodontal disease, nonunion of tibias, and even the overall appearance of the nasolabial fold.
What Ailments and Conditions are Caused by Damaged Tissue in the Body?
Damaged tissue is not uncommon, especially as we age or participate in physical activities, such as contact sports. Damaged tissue can lead to various diseases and conditions, including the following:
- Autoimmune diseases such as IBS, Celiac Disease, Psoriasis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Fibromyalgia
- Pulmonary disorders such as COPD
- Cardiovascular issues such as Congestive Heart Failure
- Joint Diseases such as Degenerative Disc Disease, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, damage of the cartilage, ligament injuries, torn tendons, chronic back pain, and arthritis
- Neurological disorders including Parkinson’s Disease, Peripheral Neuropathy, ALS, Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Autism
Studies involving stem cell therapy, biomaterials, and even artificial organs are in the works when it comes to current research involving Regenerative Medicine today.
How Does Regenerative Medicine Work in the Body?
Regenerative therapies are designed to accomplish the following:
- Reduce overall inflammation in the body, thus reducing chronic or debilitating pain.
- Stimulate the body’s cells to locate, rebuild and repair damaged tissues throughout the regeneration process.
- Stimulate the immune system to work in specific areas and regions based on the patient’s ailment(s) and/or condition.
Types of Regenerative Medicine
Regenerative Medicine is an all-encompassing umbrella term for a myriad of advanced treatments and technologies in the field. The most common types of Regenerative Medicine therapy today include the following:
- Cellular therapies – Stem cell therapy to help rebuild and repair damaged tissues.
- Tissues and biomaterials – The use of tissue engineering involves creating and implanting scaffolds directly into the patient’s body in place of need. The tissue scaffold works to attract new tissue cells to form brand-new fully functional tissues that are entirely engineered.
- Artificial organs and devices – Medical devices, as well as artificial organs, are also in the works in the field of Regenerative Medicine. From developing new self-sustaining tissues, scientists hope to discover the ability to regenerate organs on demand.
Is Regenerative Medicine Available?
There are numerous Regenerative Medicines and treatments available on the market, depending on a patient’s illness, condition, or current ailment(s). Not all Regenerative Medicine therapies are right for everyone, which is why it is imperative to speak with a specialist and medical professional before opting for Regenerative Medicine.
While some treatments may include supplements and hormone therapies, others may include injections, cell-based medical devices, biologics, and traditional biopharmaceuticals.
As Regenerative Medicines are further explored, studied, and pursued, new therapies are likely to come to market, which should benefit healthcare worldwide.
